Which Sunglasses Suit My Face Shape?

How do you find the best sunglasses for your face shape? Start by looking in the mirror to work out the shape of your face. Then use our guide to pick the right sunglasses that will help you look your best.

Choose the right frames and you will always turn heads

Sometimes nothing makes a bigger impression than a pair of sunglasses — but not just any pair, the RIGHT pair. And that perfect pair is not only about style; it is also about how they fit your face. Discovering your true face shape helps you choose the frames that complement your bone structure. In this article you will discover the best sunglasses for your face shape, so you can move and be seen like a real celebrity.

1. Square face

A square face has cheekbone width roughly equal to the length between forehead and jaw. This face type often has plenty of angles, so choosing the right pair is essential to avoid over-emphasising the square look.
Frame shapes to try with a square face: the classic Aviator shape — a hit when Tom Cruise wore it in "Top Gun" — suits a square face beautifully. Colourful classic round, vintage round and oval styles also draw attention away from the length-to-width proportions. Frames that highlight the eyes and cheekbones with a bold brow line, such as Clubmaster styles, or rimless frames, are also worth trying.

2. Round face

A round face is generally similar in width and length. The forehead, cheekbones and jaw are close in size, giving a smooth, rounded structure, and the cheeks are usually full.
Frame shapes to try with a round face: a round face can carry a wide range of styles as long as they do not over-emphasise the cheeks — think Beyoncé in Clubmaster-type frames, which add real definition to round faces. Look for angular or rectangular frames in eccentric designs and bold colours. Full-rim, half-rim or clean rimless frames with strong lines also help widen the eyes and add sharpness. Avoid small round sunglasses, as they can make the face look even rounder.

3. Oval face

An oval face is longer than it is wide, with a compact forehead, wide-set cheekbones, a rounded jawline and a narrow chin. There is a unique balance to the oval face that makes it ideal for a broad range of sunglasses styles and shapes.
Frames to try: aim for bold size and colour, but avoid bottom-heavy frames or rimless styles, which can over-emphasise the length of the face. Angular frames, aviators and oval sunglasses pair well with an oval structure — oversized styles work too. Retro square frames and large frames with plenty of width around the eyes will complement an oval face without over-emphasising a narrow forehead and chin.

4. Heart-shaped face

A heart-shaped face has a prominent forehead and high cheekbones that taper to a narrow jaw. The perfect sunglasses keep the mid-face balanced without drawing too much attention to the top and bottom of this structure.
Frames to try: a heart-shaped face really stands out in geometric and round frames. Try lightweight rimless styles like those Keanu Reeves wore in The Matrix. Cat-eye frames in glossy opaque or block colours, and retro square frames, are also ideal for a heart-shaped face.

5. Diamond face

A diamond face literally resembles a diamond: a narrow forehead, prominent cheekbones and a moderate chin that can sometimes be pointed. Sunglasses that widen the middle and upper part of this face shape are the most flattering.
Frames to try: look for soft angles, such as two-tone rims that draw attention to the eyes and cheekbones. These frames should highlight the brow line and include distinctive shapes, fun lens colours and design details. Think Meryl Streep in "The Devil Wears Prada". Cat-eye, oval and rectangular frames also work very well on this face shape.

6. Oblong (long) face

An oblong or long face is much taller than it is wide, with defined cheekbones, a high forehead and a narrow jaw. If you have a long face you are lucky when it comes to choosing sunglasses, because you can wear a variety of styles and shapes.
Must-try frames: choose sunglasses that offset the length of the face. Look for strong angles, geometric shapes, deep lenses and bold lines. Cat-eye frames — like those Susan Sarandon wore in "Thelma and Louise" — or Wayfarer frames work well, as they help minimise the length of the face and sharpen its softer features.

The perfect pair of sunglasses is a fashion essential. Understanding your face structure ensures your sunglasses genuinely upgrade your look.

Beyond face shape, if you spend long hours behind the wheel, function matters too — see how to choose sunglasses for driving and what the UV400 rating means for your lenses.